SHILLONG, SEPT 4: The Meghalaya High Court has admitted a petition filed by the Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU) challenging Shree Cement operations in East Jaintia Hills, prompting the state government to put all activities of the company on hold.
The JSU on Friday said the Court’s admission of its plea marks a major victory for the affected communities.
“The High Court has officially admitted our petition against the state government and Shree Cement,” the union said, adding that the state filed a sworn affidavit confirming suspension of all works.
“In a massive win for the people, the state government submitted a sworn affidavit confirming that all activities of Shree Cement shall be put on hold. The company cannot proceed with any groundwork or operations while this inquiry is active,” the JSU said in a statement issued by its education secretary Bocheru Mi Pohsnem.
The state has informed the Court that it will constitute a Fact-Finding Committee to examine environmental, social, legal and criminal aspects of the project.
The JSU, however, has rejected the move and demanded a court-monitored inquiry.
“We strongly demand a fully independent, Court-Monitored Inquiry to ensure absolute transparency. The government cannot be trusted to impartially investigate its own failures,” the union said.
The High Court will hear the matter next on September 7, 2026, for further replies from the State, the JSU said.
The union also said it is preparing its response before the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission (MHRC), which has directed it to submit its views by September 28 on reports filed by the police and district administration regarding alleged violence and suppression of protests.
The JSU alleged that the reports are “vague and evasive” and that police documentation itself acknowledges a “violent ambush” on its medical rescue team by an armed group.
“We will not back down until our legal complaints are processed fairly and the perpetrators of the violence are prosecuted,” the union said.
